James Robert Lipsey

James Robert Lipsey, of Sherwood, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on 13 January 2026. He was born on 7 Oct 1946 in Waco, Texas, the first son of the late Oscar Colquitt Lipsey and Mayme Lucy Sparks. He leaves to cherish his memory wife Linda Jane Lipsey; son Matthew James Lipsey and wife Rachel; daughter Sarah Michelle (Lipsey) Johnson and husband Joshua; grandchildren Meredith, Russell, and Reagan; and twin brother Charles Edward Lipsey and wife Patricia. He also leaves sister-in-law Dianne Ramsey and husband Kenny; and brother-in-law Haskel L Underwood, Jr and wife Shelia; several nieces and nephews, plus a slew of relatives in Texas.

James was a member of Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock and taught a singles Sunday school class for 15 years and Vacation Bible School. He was active in The Gideons International, joining in 2000 and serving in every camp position and later as the state scripture distribution chairman. He graduated from Baylor University in 1969, then joined the US Air Force and served for 24 years, retiring as a Lt Col in 1993. His last position was squadron operations officer. He accumulated almost 6000 flying hours primarily in the C-130 as a navigator and evaluator. He then served as the first purchasing officer for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extensive Service until his retirement in 2008.

James loved his family and his favorite activity was researching Lipsey family history, tracing its history back to the 1750’s. A memorial service will be held at Smith Sherwood Funeral Home on January 23 with burial in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Memorials may be made to Park Hill Baptist Church, The Gideons International, or to one’s favorite charity.